Constant Conversations and Cavorts

Passion Pit Performs at The NorVa

Electro popper fans had not one, but two nights in a row to dance and get down.

Passion Pit, accompanied with duos Matt and Kim and Icona Pop, performed at the NorVa back to back on Feb. 4 and 5.

Drummer Nate Donmoyer fell sick right before the set. A status on Facebook hours before the show and a sign posted on The NorVa’s box office read: “Due to unforeseen illness Passion Pit will be performing a shortened intimate acoustic set tonight.”

Many of the band’s fans on Facebook seemed peeved and disappointed when they saw this message, especially since the band previously canceled a show at the NorVa back in July due to ‘mental health issues’ of lead singer Michael Angelakos. But, the band found a replacement drummer, Donmoyer’s best friend, at the last minute and they were able to deliver a short but energetic set, getting rid of the originally planned acoustic sound.

Passion Pit is an indie-rock band that formed in 2007 in Cambridge, Mass. Band members Michael Angelakos, who is the lead singer, Ian Hultquist on keyboards and guitar, Xander Singh on the synthesizers, bassist Jeff Apruzzese, and drummer Nate Donmoyer played the band’s popular songs such as “Sleepyhead.” They surprised fans by beginning with their hit song “Take A Walk,” rather than finishing with it, which is typically what bands do.

Matt and Kim performed songs from their two most recent albums “Sidewalks,” which came out in 2010 and “Grand,” from 2009. Hit songs from these albums such as “Daylight” and “Lessons Learned” were performed at the end of their set.

“I liked Matt and Kim because they were a lot of fun to dance to. The throwback pre-recorded rap jams they played in between their songs was the best,” said concert attendee, Megan Stamper.

Despite being constrained with a plastic boot supporting a sprained ankle, drummer Kim Schifino showed the fans in the packed venue some love by using the crowd as a dance floor, standing on the hands of fans and dancing for them.

Swedish girl duo, also known as Icona Pop, opened the show. The band was formed in 2010 and are made up of Aino Jawo and Caroline Hjelt. They are most known for their debut single “I Love It,” which was released in the summer of 2012.

Passion Pit will be on tour with Matt and Kim and Icona Pop throughout the country until March 12.